Digital radio hits one million sales in Australia

DAB+ digital radio products have sold over 1 million units in Australia, thanks to strong third-quarter sales for 2012.

Launched just over three years ago in August 2009, digital radio has enjoyed slow but consistent growth from only the portable transistor radio market to being included in many home theatre A/V receivers, portable music players, and hi-fi products.

Several new cars also include built-in DAB+ radios. Land Rover and Mercedes are recent additions to the line-up, which also includes Audi, BMW, Toyota and Lexus.

According to Commercial Radio Australia, 94,655 DAB+ digital radio devices were sold in Q3 2012, following 74,991 in Q2.

After the most recent round of sales, it is estimated that a total of 1.336 million people are listening to a DAB+ digital radio every week. At an average of twelve hours per week, the time spent listening to digital radio is double that of analogue AM/FM radio.

CRA CEO Joan Warner said in a statement: "Digital radio sales continue to climb despite a tough retail climate. The industry advertises digital radio on radio and it demonstrates advertising on radio works."